By Gisela Yohannan Today I would like to write to you about something that determines our usefulness to God on this earth. It is astonishing to read, in Romans 8:29, the high goal that God has for our life: “. . . to become conformed to the image of His Son.” This, declares the apostle Paul, is an ongoing transformation: “But we all . . . are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).... Read more
We must live our lives continually reading, thinking about and meditating on the Word of God. We must always give of our time and energy to study it and know what it says about the different aspects of life, learning how to live by it. But in this we must be warned, carefully seeing to it that we do not fool ourselves by being only hearers of the Word and not doers, as James 1:22 warns us. There are many... Read more
The Apostle Paul, a hero of the faith, was a man who had every reason to boast: Born into a rich, prestigious family. Taught at the finest academic school under the most acclaimed instructors. Earned a Ph.D., so to speak, from the best university of his day. Accepted as a member of the prominent Sanhedrin, the ruling council of his nation. Natural-born leader. Philosopher. Thinker. Theologian. Even with a track record like this, Paul didn’t boast, he still tells Timothy,... Read more
Finding our source in God alone is central for both our personal lives and our ministry. But as we live for and serve the Lord, we can sometimes lose that focus. What is the sign that we are no longer depending on the Lord, and that we are no longer broken before God? It is our attitude. Years ago, I used to complain about recording my radio broadcast. My life was getting painful because of lack of time, and privately... Read more
As followers of Christ, you and I are called to be servants—of God and of mankind. And when we think about the fact that it was not a man but it was the Living God who called us into His service and who has made us responsible over His work, we realize what a privilege it is that we have been given. More than that, we realize the magnitude of the responsibility. This ought to make us the most faithful... Read more
By Gisela YohannanDo you have any specific prayer requests and expectations for this year? I am not talking about a “wish list” of material things or ambitions you might have for your life, family and ministry. Neither do I mean the plans you made for your work . . . What I want you to consider is your spiritual life: the depth of your personal walk with the Lord, your growth as a Christian, the progress you have made toward... Read more
There is a distinct call into full-time ministry. All throughout the Bible, we see those who were called by God for specific purposes. In Exodus 3–4:17, we see how Moses did not appoint himself to lead the children of Israel; the Lord called him. The prophet Amos is another example. He was just a simple farmer, with no one in his family ever having served the Lord. When those God sent him questioned what he was doing, he defended himself,... Read more
Many people who have been serving with a ministry since its inception can recall the vibrancy and passion they and their fellow workers once had to bring God’s love to the world; they remember the group’s enthusiasm to serve one another, the love and family atmosphere they enjoyed, and the unity they experienced. But all those blessings now seem to be just a memory. If that describes us, how can we come back to the place of revival that once... Read more
by Gisela Yohannan I would like to share with you a few thoughts about the coming of our Savior. Perhaps you may want to reflect on it during your personal time with the Lord. Ever since the fall of man, people have waited and longed for the coming of the promised Savior. Separated from the living God, mankind was ravaged by the devil and the consequences of sin. Sickness, suffering, destruction and death had replaced the peace, joy and fellowship... Read more
By Gisela Yohannan Before I started writing this letter to you, I opened my Bible and read the Christmas story in Luke 2 . . . Each time we celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior, we are reminded afresh of the amazing love God has for this world and for each one of us. I would like to encourage you to take time this Christmas to learn more about God’s love, which is the very reason for our salvation.... Read more
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